Chapter 3: "The Hidden Hand"

The Frostfang Wolves circled Jack, their icy breath fogging the air. Three of them, their glowing blue eyes locked on him, their fangs bared. Jack's arm throbbed where the first wolf had grazed him, but he didn't let the pain show. He stood tall, his dagger in one hand, his other hand subtly reaching into his pocket.

The system pinged in his mind.

**[Hostiles Detected: Frostfang Wolves, Level 3–4.]**

**[Threat Level: High.]**

**[Recommendation: Use Environmental Advantage.]**

Jack's eyes darted to the rocky outcrop behind him. He had a plan, but it required precision. He couldn't afford to reveal too much—not yet.

The first wolf lunged, its jaws snapping at his throat. Jack sidestepped, his movements calculated, and slashed at the wolf's flank. The blade bit into flesh, and the wolf yelped, retreating slightly.

But the other two wolves were already moving, their movements synchronized. Jack's system analyzed their patterns, predicting their next moves.

**[Pattern Detected: Pack Hunting Behavior.]**

**[Weakness: Isolate and Eliminate.]**

Jack feigned a stumble, dropping to one knee. The wolves hesitated for a split second, and that was all he needed. He pulled a small pouch from his pocket and hurled it at the ground. The pouch burst, releasing a cloud of fine powder.

The wolves recoiled, their sensitive noses overwhelmed by the pungent scent. Jack didn't wait. He sprinted toward the rocky outcrop, his system guiding him to the best vantage point.

**[Environmental Scan Complete.]**

**[Optimal Position: Elevated Rock Platform.]**

Jack climbed onto the platform, his breath coming in short gasps. The wolves recovered quickly, their eyes narrowing as they stalked toward him. But Jack wasn't done yet.

He reached into his pocket again, this time pulling out a small, glowing crystal. The system pinged.

**[Item Identified: Firestone Fragment.]**

**[Effect: Releases Intense Heat Upon Impact.]**

**[Recommended Use: Create Diversion.]**

Jack hurled the Firestone at the ground below the platform. It shattered on impact, releasing a burst of heat that sent the wolves scrambling back. One of them howled in pain as its fur singed.

Jack didn't stop there. He pulled out another item—a crude smoke bomb he'd crafted earlier using materials scavenged from the slums. He lit it with a flick of his dagger and tossed it into the fray.

The smoke billowed, obscuring the wolves' vision. Jack used the cover to his advantage, leaping down from the platform and driving his dagger into the nearest wolf's skull. The creature collapsed, its body twitching.

The remaining wolves hesitated, their confidence shaken. Jack didn't give them time to recover. He activated his system's new ability.

**[Environmental Scan: Active.]**

**[Weakness Detected: Frostfang Wolf, Level 4.]**

**[Recommended Action: Target Spine.]**

Jack moved like a shadow, his dagger striking with precision. The second wolf fell, its spine severed. The last wolf turned to flee, but Jack was already on it. He tackled the beast, his dagger finding its mark.

The forest fell silent, the only sound Jack's ragged breathing. He stood over the bodies of the wolves, his system already scanning for more threats.

**[Hostiles Neutralized.]**

**[Monster Cores Detected.]**

**[Absorbing Cores…]**

**[Quantum Core Upgrade: 15% Complete.]**

Jack felt the surge of energy as the cores were absorbed. His system hummed, its interface flickering with new data.

**[New Ability Unlocked: Thermal Vision.]**

**[Description: Allows User to Detect Heat Signatures in Surroundings.]**

Jack allowed himself a small smile. The Firestone, the smoke bomb, the precise strikes—each move had been calculated to keep his true abilities hidden. The wolves had seen only what he wanted them to see. And now, he had a new card to add to his hand.

But he couldn't linger. The fight had drawn attention. He could hear the distant howls of more wolves, their calls echoing through the forest.

Jack quickly gathered what he could from the wolves—pelts, fangs, anything of value. He didn't have time to process the cores fully, but he could use the materials to craft more tools.

As he moved deeper into the forest, the system pinged again.

**[Warning: Large Hostile Detected.]**

**[Threat Level: Extreme.]**

**[Recommendation: Avoid Engagement.]]

Jack's eyes narrowed. He wasn't one to back down from a challenge, but he also wasn't foolish enough to take on something he couldn't handle. Not yet.

He activated his new Thermal Vision, the world around him shifting into a spectrum of heat signatures. In the distance, he saw it—a massive creature, its body radiating intense heat. It was unlike anything he'd seen before.

**[Target Identified: Inferno Drake, Level 10.]**

**[Weakness: Unknown.]**

**[Recommendation: Retreat and Gather Intel.]]

Jack nodded to himself. He'd come back for the drake, but not until he was ready. For now, he had other plans.

He turned and disappeared into the forest, his mind already working on the next step. The wolves had been a test, a way to gauge his abilities without revealing too much. The drake would be a different story.

But Jack wasn't worried. He always had a plan. And he always had a few cards up his sleeve.